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Abstract:

Antenna spoilers and methods of manufacturing the antenna spoilers are
provided. An antenna spoiler for a vehicle includes a spoiler housing, an
antenna element, and an amplifier. The spoiler housing is created by blow
molding. The antenna element is disposed within the spoiler housing. The
amplifier is coupled to the antenna element, and is disposed within the
spoiler housing.

Claims:

1. An antenna spoiler for a vehicle, the antenna spoiler comprising: a
spoiler housing; an antenna element disposed within the spoiler housing;
and an amplifier assembly coupled to the antenna element and disposed
within the spoiler housing.

2. The antenna spoiler of claim 1, wherein the antenna element is
configured to receive amplitude modulation (am) radio signals.

3. The antenna spoiler of claim 2, wherein the antenna element is also
configured to receive frequency modulation (fm) radio signals.

4. The antenna spoiler of claim 1, wherein: the spoiler housing defines
an interior region; and the antenna element and the amplifier assembly
are disposed entirely within the inner region.

5. The antenna spoiler of claim 1, wherein the spoiler housing comprises
an inner wall, and the antenna spoiler further comprises: a plurality of
support covers configured to support the antenna element against the
inner wall.

6. The antenna spoiler of claim 1, further comprising: a foam lining
disposed within the spoiler housing.

7. The antenna spoiler of claim 1, further comprising: an embossment
formed on the antenna element; and a support configured to engage the
embossment.

8. The antenna spoiler of claim 7, wherein the support comprises a fir
tree support.

9. A method of manufacturing an antenna spoiler for a vehicle, the method
comprising the steps of: creating a spoiler housing via blow molding; and
inserting an antenna system within the spoiler housing for the antenna
spoiler.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of inserting the antenna
system comprises the steps of: creating access openings within the
spoiler housing; and inserting the antenna system within the access
openings.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the spoiler housing has an inner
wall, and the step of inserting the antenna system further comprises the
steps of: sliding the antenna system through the access openings; and
supporting the antenna system against the inner wall with a support
cover.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of inserting the antenna
system comprises the step of: inserting an antenna element and an
amplifier assembly within the spoiler housing.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: inserting a
foam lining inside the spoiler housing.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the antenna element includes an
embossment, and the step of inserting the antenna system further
comprises the step of: engaging the embossment with a support.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of engaging the embossment
with the support comprises the step of: engaging the embossment with a
fir tree support.

16. An antenna spoiler for a vehicle, the antenna spoiler comprising: a
spoiler housing; and an antenna system disposed within the spoiler
housing, the antenna system comprising: an antenna element disposed
within the spoiler housing and configured to receive amplitude modulation
(am) radio signals and frequency modulation (fm) radio signals; and an
amplifier coupled to the antenna element and disposed within the spoiler
housing.

17. The antenna spoiler of claim 16, wherein the spoiler housing
comprises an inner wall, and the antenna spoiler further comprises: a
plurality of support covers configured to support the antenna element
against the inner wall.

18. The antenna spoiler of claim 16, further comprising: an embossment
formed on the antenna element; and a support configured to engage the
embossment.

19. The antenna spoiler of claim 18, wherein the support comprises a fir
tree support.

20. The antenna spoiler of claim 16, wherein: the spoiler housing defines
an interior region; and the antenna element and the amplifier assembly
are disposed entirely within the inner region.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of vehicles
and, more specifically, to antenna spoilers for vehicles and methods of
manufacturing antenna spoilers for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Automobiles and various other vehicles utilize antennas for
communications, such as for receiving radio signals. Antennas are often
mounted on a roof of the vehicle or on a rear window of the vehicle.
However, such antenna placement may not always be optimal or feasible,
for example convertibles with retractable rooftops.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved antennas for
vehicles, for example that do not require placement on a roof or rear
window of the vehicle. It is also desirable to provide improved methods
for manufacturing such antennas. Furthermore, other desirable features
and characteristics of the present invention will be apparent from the
subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical
field and background.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an antenna spoiler for
a vehicle is provided. The antenna spoiler comprises a spoiler housing,
an antenna element, and an amplifier. The antenna element is disposed
within the spoiler housing. The amplifier is coupled to the antenna
element, and is disposed within the spoiler housing.

[0005] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a method for
manufacturing an antenna spoiler for a vehicle is provided. The method
comprises the steps of creating a spoiler housing via blow molding and
inserting an antenna system within the spoiler housing.

[0006] In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment, an antenna
spoiler for a vehicle is provided. The antenna spoiler comprises a
spoiler housing and an antenna system. The antenna system is disposed
within the spoiler housing, and comprises an antenna element and an
amplifier. The antenna element is disposed within the spoiler housing,
and is configured to receive amplitude modulation (am) radio signals and
frequency modulation (fm) radio signals. The amplifier is coupled to the
antenna element, and is disposed within the spoiler housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like
elements, and wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an automobile having an antenna
spoiler, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an antenna spoiler for a vehicle, such
as the vehicle of FIG. 1, that includes a housing and an antenna system
disposed within the housing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a semi-transparent plan view of the antenna spoiler of
FIG. 2, showing the antenna system within the housing, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the antenna system of the antenna
spoiler of FIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the antenna spoiler of FIG. 2,
showing the antenna system within the housing, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the housing of the antenna spoiler of
FIG. 2, depicted during manufacture of the antenna spoiler prior to
integration of the housing and the antenna system, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment; and

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the antenna system of the antenna
spoiler of FIG. 2, depicted during manufacture of the antenna spoiler
prior to integration of the housing and the antenna system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the antenna system of the antenna
spoiler of FIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process of manufacturing an antenna
spoiler, such as the antenna spoiler of FIG. 2, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the antenna spoiler of FIG. 1,
depicted showing a bottom surface of the antenna spoiler and also showing
the antenna spoiler coupling to a deck lid of the vehicle, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment; and

[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the antenna spoiler of FIG. 1,
depicted showing a top view of an outer surface of the deck lid
surrounding the antenna spoiler, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses
thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background or the following detailed
description.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle 10. The vehicle has a
spoiler 20 above and attached to a deck lid 30. The spoiler 20 comprises
an antenna spoiler 100, as described below. Specifically, the antenna
spoiler 100 comprises a deck lid spoiler with an integrated radio antenna
for a vehicle. The antenna spoiler 100 is preferably disposed against the
deck lid 30 of the vehicle, most preferably adjacent to and immediately
above the deck lid. In certain embodiments, the vehicle comprises an
automobile, such as a sedan, a sport utility vehicle, a van, or a truck.
In one preferred embodiment, the vehicle comprises a convertible
automobile with a retractable rooftop. However, the antenna spoiler 100
may also be used in various other types of vehicles.

[0021] FIGS. 2-7 are schematic drawings of the vehicle antenna spoiler 100
of FIG. 1. The antenna spoiler 100 has a housing 102 and an antenna
system 104. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the antenna
spoiler 100; FIG. 3 is a semi-transparent plan view of the antenna
spoiler 100 (depicted without the housing 102 for illustrative purposes);
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the antenna system 104 of the antenna
spoiler 100; FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the antenna spoiler 100;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the housing 102 of the antenna spoiler 100,
depicted during manufacture of the antenna spoiler 100 prior to
integration of the housing 102 and the antenna system 104; and FIG. 7 is
a schematic view of the antenna system 104 of the antenna spoiler 100,
also depicted during manufacture of the antenna spoiler 100 prior to
integration of the housing 102 and the antenna system 104, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] The housing 102 includes an inner wall 106 and an outer wall 108.
The housing 102 is preferably made of a plastic material, most preferably
from an ABS plastic material. The housing 102 is preferably created via a
blow molding technique, as is described further below in connection with
the process 900 of FIG. 9.

[0023] The antenna system 104 is disposed within the housing 102. In a
preferred embodiment, the antenna system 104 is disposed underneath the
inner wall 106 in an interior region of the antenna spoiler 100, and the
entire antenna spoiler 100 (including the housing 102 and the antenna
system 104) is configured to be placed on top of and against a deck lid
of the vehicle. As such, the antenna system 104 is not visible once the
antenna spoiler 100 is assembled.

[0024] The antenna system 104 includes an antenna element 200 and an
amplifier assembly 202 having an amplifier 203, each of which are
disposed within the housing 102 underneath the inner wall 106 and
configured for placement above the deck lid. In the depicted embodiment,
the antenna system 104 also includes supports 204, support covers 206,
access cover nuts 208, access cover screws 210, studs 212, torque patch
nuts 214, and a foam lining 216, each of which are also preferably
disposed within the housing 102 underneath the inner wall 106 and
configured for placement above the deck lid. As described in greater
detail in connection with the process 900 of FIG. 9, the antenna system
104 is preferably integrated into the antenna spoiler 100 within the
housing 102 after the housing 102 is manufactured using a blow molding
process.

[0025] In one preferred embodiment, the antenna element 200 comprises a
plate antenna element having an elongated shape and a flattened profile,
and is positioned along the length of the antenna spoiler 100 within the
housing 102 thereof. The antenna element 200 is preferably configured to
receive amplitude modulation (am) radio signals and frequency modulation
(fm) radio signals. The antenna element 200, as depicted for reference
purposes, includes a first end 241, a second end 242, and a center region
240 extending therebetween. The antenna element 200 also preferably
includes an embossment 237. Additional details regarding the antenna
element 200 and the amplifier assembly 202 are provided further below in
connection with the schematic diagram of FIG. 8, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.

[0026] The support covers 206 are disposed within the housing 102, and are
configured to support the antenna element 200 and the amplifier assembly
202 against the housing 102. Preferably, the support covers 206 support
the antenna element 200 against the inner wall 106 of the housing 102. In
the depicted embodiment, the antenna system 104 includes three support
covers 206; namely, a first support cover 261, a second support cover
262, and a third support cover 263. Specifically, the first support cover
261 is disposed proximate the center region 240 of the antenna element
200, the second support cover 262 is disposed proximate the first end 241
of the antenna element 200, and the third support cover 263 is disposed
proximate the second end 242 of the antenna element 200.

[0027] Each of the first, second, and third support covers 261, 262, and
263 supports the antenna element 200 against the housing 102, preferably
against the inner wall 106 thereof In addition, the second support cover
262 also supports the amplifier assembly 202 against the housing 102,
preferably against the inner wall 106 thereof in a center region of the
housing 102 that is proximate the center region 240 of the antenna
element 200. The support covers 206 are angled with respect to the
antenna element 200 and the amplifier assembly 202 to provide optimal
support and to effectively "sandwich" the antenna element 200 and the
amplifier assembly 202 against the inner wall 106. The angle of the
covers 206 respect to the antenna element 200 are preferably driven by
design and antenna location. In one embodiment, the covers 206 are each
made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate blend unfilled.
These materials are selected for their excellent stability properties,
but may vary in certain embodiments.

[0028] The supports 204 engage the embossment 237 of the antenna element
200. The supports 204 thereby assist in locating the antenna element 200
during manufacture of the antenna spoiler 100, positioning the antenna
element 200 for optimal performance, and providing further support for
the antenna element 200 against the housing 102, preferably against the
inner wall 106 thereof The supports 204 preferably comprise fir tree
supports. In the depicted embodiment, the antenna system 104 includes two
fir tree supports 204, both of which are near the center region 240 of
the antenna element 200 and spaced apart equally from the midpoint 250 of
the center region 240. In one embodiment, the embossment 237 comprises a
relatively small ring, and a tip of the support 204 (such as a push-pin)
engages the embossment 237 to locate the antenna element 200 against an
inner wall of the spoiler, and an interference fit is formed off of a
foam lining.

[0029] The access cover nuts 208 and access cover screws 210 are utilized
in coupling the support covers 206, the antenna element 200, and the
amplifier assembly 202 against the housing 102, preferably against the
inner wall 106 thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the antenna system
104 includes six access cover nuts 208 and eight access cover screws 210.

[0030] The studs 212 and the torque patch nuts 214 are utilized to secure
the antenna spoiler against a deck lid of the vehicle. In one preferred
embodiment, the antenna system 104 includes six studs 212 and six torque
patch nuts 214.

[0031] The foam lining 216 is also disposed within the housing 102. The
foam lining 216 helps to reduce unwanted water or other liquid intrusion
and/or unwanted noise and/or vibrations associated with the antenna
system 104. The foam lining 216 is preferably inserted and disposed
between the antenna element 200 and the housing 102, most preferably
underneath the antenna element 200 and between the antenna element 200
and a deck lid of the vehicle.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the antenna system 104 of
the antenna spoiler 100 of FIGS. 1-7, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 8, the antenna system 104 includes the
above-referenced antenna element 200 (including first, second, and third
antenna element components 232, 234, 236 thereof), a diversity module 712
having a diversity converter combiner along with the above-referenced
amplifier assembly 202, and a receiver 716 (preferably an AM/FM
receiver). In certain embodiments, the receiver 716, along with various
other components of the antenna system 104, may also be disposed within
the housing 102 referenced above in connection with FIGS. 1-6, in
addition to the above-referenced antenna element 200 and amplifier
assembly 202.

[0033] The antenna element 200 is in communication with the diversity
module 712 through an electrical connection 710. The diversity module 712
is in communication with the AM/FM receiver 716 through the electrical
connection 710 as well. The electrical connection 710 may comprise any
type of transmission line for carrying radio frequency signals such as,
for example, coaxial cable. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the diversity
module 712 and the AM/FM receiver 716 as separate components, it should
be noted that the diversity module 712 and the AM/FM receiver 716 can
also be integrated within the antenna spoiler 100.The antenna element 200
is a half wave monopole antenna element for receiving radio frequency
(RF) signals, and has an electrical length that is approximately half a
wavelength (λ/2). In the embodiment as illustrated, the antenna
element 200 receives frequency modulated (FM) and amplitude modulated
(AM) signals. However, it is understood that the antenna element 200 may
also be configured to receive other types of RF signals as well as long
as the RF signals are of a higher frequency than AM or FM signals.
Specifically, a mechanical length L of the antenna element 200 can be
adjusted accordingly to match the particular wavelength of the RF signal
being received, while still maintaining the electrical length of half a
wavelength (λ/2). For example, the mechanical length L of the
antenna element 200 could be adjusted accordingly for receiving satellite
radio signals as well.

[0034] In the embodiment as illustrated, an electrical center 700 is
located at approximately at a midpoint along the electrical length
λ/2 of the antenna element 200. In the embodiment as illustrated,
the electrical center 700 of the antenna element 200 is located at a
distance L/2 that is about half the mechanical length L of the antenna
element 200, at the mechanical center of the antenna element 200.
However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the electrical
center 700 is not always located at the mechanical center of the antenna
element 200.

[0035] The antenna element 200 receives AM and FM signals, and includes
two FM feed points 702. One of the FM feed points 702 is located on a
first side 704 of the antenna element 200, and the other FM feed point
702 is located on a second side 706 of the antenna element 200. The first
side 704 of the antenna element 200 generally opposes the second side 706
of the antenna element 200, and the two FM electrical feed points 702 are
located at about one-twentieth (λ/20) a wavelength from the
electrical center 700. The antenna element 200 also includes an AM feed
point 708 for receiving the AM RF signals. The AM feed point 708 is
located at about the electrical center 700 of the antenna element 200.

[0036] Each of the FM feed points 702 allow for the acquisition of a
separate FM RF signal, where a first signal corresponds with one of the
FM electrical feed points 702, and a second signal corresponds with the
other FM electrical feed point 702. It should be noted that while each FM
feed point 702 includes a separate signal; both of the signals each
originate the same radio transmittal. That is, the first signal and the
second signal both represent the same radio transmittal, but the first
signal is out of phase when compared to the second signal. Specifically,
the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal is
about ninety degrees (90°), which is caused by each FM feed point
702 being positioned at about one-twentieth (λ/20) a wavelength
from the electrical center 700. The AM feed point 708 also allows for the
acquisition of a separate AM signal as well.

[0037] The electrical connection 710 connects each of the FM feed points
702 as well as the AM feed point 708 to the diversity module 712.
Alternatively, the FM feed points 702 and the AM feed point 708 may be
directly connected to the receiver 716 via an antenna amplifier (such as
the amplifier 203). The diversity module 712 includes an FM diversity
combiner 714 as well as the AM/FM antenna amplifier assembly 202. The FM
feed points 702 are connected to the FM diversity combiner 714, and the
output of the FM diversity combiner 714 and the AM feed point 708 are
each connected to an AM/FM antenna amplifier assembly 202. The diversity
combiner 714 receives the first signal and the second signal from the FM
feed points 702 and combines the signals into a single antenna signal,
where the resultant signal is a composite of the first signal and the
second signal.

[0038] The diversity combiner 714 may comprise any device that includes
circuitry or control logic for combining two or more RF signals that each
originate from the same radio transmittal. The diversity combiner 714
includes a processing module and associated memory used to store data.
The processing module can include a microprocessor, digital signal
processor, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, or any
other type of device that combines two different RF signals. One
commercially available example of a diversity combiner is the Audio
Signal Processor AN00001 manufactured by NXP Semiconductors, located in
Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

[0039] The single antenna signal from the diversity combiner 714 and the
AM RF signal from the AM feed point 708 are each sent to the AM/FM
antenna amplifier assembly 202 through the electrical connection 710. The
AM/FM antenna amplifier assembly 202 includes an antenna selecting
circuit 718 for switching between the AM and the FM signals and an
amplifier 203. In the embodiment as illustrated, the circuitry of the
antenna selecting circuit 718 includes two switches 720 that are applied
to respective input terminals 722, 724 of the AM and FM signals. The
antenna selecting circuit 718 selects one of the AM and FM signals and
sends the selected signal to the amplifier 203. Although FIG. 8
illustrates the antenna selecting circuit 718 including two switches for
selecting a signal, the antenna selecting circuit 718 can include a
microprocessor, digital signal processor, logic circuitry or any other
type of device that can select between two different RF signals. The
amplifier 203 includes circuitry for amplifying the signal selected by
the antenna selecting circuit 718 to a predetermined level.

[0040] The amplifier 203 is in communication with an input 726 of the
AM/FM receiver 716 through the electrical connection 710. The AM/FM
receiver 716 is a radio head unit including an AM/FM tuner 728 to switch
between AM and FM radio broadcasts, and may also include sound processing
circuitry, signal processing circuits, and one or more media players such
as, for example, a compact disk (CD) player or an MP3 player. The AM/FM
receiver 716 also includes an output 730 in communication with the AM/FM
switching amplifier assembly 202 through an output line 732, where the
output line 732 can be either a data network or a direct signal wire.
When a user switches between an AM and an FM broadcast using the AM/FM
tuner 728, the AM/FM receiver 716 sends a data signal through the output
line 732 to the AM/FM antenna amplifier assembly 202.

[0041] The AM/FM antenna amplifier assembly 202 includes circuitry or
control logic (not shown) for detecting the output of the AM/FM tuner
728. The circuitry or control logic instructs the antenna selecting
circuit 718 to switch between the AM or the FM signal based on the output
of the AM/FM tuner 728. For example, if a user selects an FM broadcast
using the AM/FM tuner 728, the switch 720 of the antenna selecting
circuit 718 connected to the input terminal of the AM signal 722 will be
switched to an off position, while the switch 720 connected to the input
terminal of the FM signal 724 will switch to an on position. The FM
signal is then transmitted from the selecting circuit 718 to the
amplifier 203, and to the AM/FM receiver 716 for reception. A user can
also further select a specific radio broadcast channel within the RF
operating band (i.e., between 87.7 megahertz to 108 megahertz for FM
reception) by using the AM/FM tuner 728. In one embodiment, the
electrical make-up and operation of the antenna system 104 (including its
configuration for and use of RF signals) utilizes features similar to
those described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/700,515 filed on Feb. 4, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated
herein by reference.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process 900 of manufacturing an antenna
spoiler for a vehicle, such as the antenna spoiler 100 referenced above
in connection with FIGS. 1-7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
The process 900 includes the step of creating a spoiler housing (step
902). The spoiler housing preferably corresponds to the housing 102
described above in connection with FIGS. 1-7. The spoiler housing is
created in step 902 using a blow molding technique. Preferably, during
this blow molding technique, a plastic substance (most preferably, an ABS
plastic material) is heated to generate a parison or pre-form structure,
and is then cooled to form the spoiler housing. Specifically, the blow
molding technique preferably results in a plastic shell for the housing,
preferably including the inner and outer walls 106, 108 of the housing
102 referenced above in connection with FIGS. 1-6. Blow molding has
proven to be advantageous for the process 900, for example because blow
molding provides an improved "one piece" shell strength. By comparison,
injection molding would require two or more pieces. The one-piece blow
molding technique provides for a potential increase in strength as well
as noise reduction and assembly reduction.

[0043] Access openings are generated within the spoiler housing (step
904). The access openings are generated to provide sufficient clearance
for the antenna system 104 to slide within the housing 102. In a
preferred embodiment, three access openings are generated and utilized in
the process 900. Each of the three openings preferably correspond with,
and is approximately the same size and shape as, a respective one of the
support covers 261, 262, and 263 of FIGS. 2-7. A left opening
(corresponding to support cover 262 of FIGS. 1-6) is used to slide and
load the antenna element. A middle opening (corresponding to support
cover 261 of FIGS. 1-6) is used as a visual load window to visually
confirm proper placement of the antenna element. A right opening
(corresponding to support cover 263 of FIGS. 1-6) is also used as a load
window to visually conform proper placement of the antenna element. The
access openings are preferably generated via a CNC technique following
the blow molding of step 902 in order to generate cutouts in the spoiler
housing shell through which the components of the antenna system may be
inserted.

[0044] An antenna system is inserted within the spoiler housing (step
906). The antenna system preferably corresponds to the antenna system 104
of FIGS. 1-7. During step 906, the antenna system (including an antenna
element and amplifier thereof) are preferably slid through the access
openings and/or cutouts and into the spoiler housing. In certain
embodiments, an antenna receiver and/or other antenna system components
may also be slid through the access openings into the spoiler housing
during step 906.

[0045] The antenna system is engaged by a plurality of supports (step
908). Specifically, the antenna element of the antenna system is
preferably engaged by the supports. The supports preferably correspond to
the supports 204 referenced above in connection with FIGS. 2-4, 6 and
comprise fir tree supports. During step 908, the supports 204 help to
locate and align the antenna element 200 via the embossment, and further
help to properly position the antenna element 200 for optimal performance
and support the antenna element 200 against the inner wall 106 of the
housing 102.

[0046] The amplifier assembly 202 is then assembled (step 910).
Specifically, the various components of the amplifier assembly are
assembled. The amplifier assembly preferably corresponds to the amplifier
assembly 202 referenced above in connection with FIGS. 1-7, and includes
the amplifier 203 along with associated wiring and other components, such
as those described above in connection with FIG. 8.

[0047] Support covers are installed (step 912). The support covers
preferably correspond to the support covers 206 of FIGS. 2-4, 6.
Specifically, the first support cover 261 of FIGS. 2-4, 6 preferably
supports the amplifier assembly against the spoiler housing, preferably
against the inner wall thereof In addition, each of the first, second,
and third support covers 261, 262, 263 of FIGS. 2-4, 6 preferably support
the antenna element against the spoiler housing, preferably against the
inner wall thereof During step 912, the first support cover 261 is
preferably installed first, followed by the second and third support
covers 262, 263. Also during step 912, access cover nuts 208 and access
cover screws 210 of FIGS. 2-4, 6 are utilized in coupling the support
covers 206, the antenna element 200, and the amplifier assembly 202
against the housing 102, preferably against the inner wall 106 thereof

[0048] A foam lining is then inserted within the spoiler housing (step
914). The foam lining is preferably inserted underneath the antenna
element. The foam ling helps to reduce unwanted water or other liquid
intrusion and/or unwanted noise and/or vibration from the antenna system.
The foam lining preferably corresponds to the foam lining 216 referenced
above in connection with FIGS. 2-4, 6. The foam lining is preferably
inserted and disposed between the antenna element 200 and the deck lid of
the vehicle.

[0049] The deck lid preferably corresponds to the deck lid 30 of FIG. 1.
In addition, FIGS. 10-11 illustrates the placement and attachment of the
antenna spoiler 100 with respect to the deck lid 30. Specifically, FIG.
10 is a schematic view of the antenna spoiler 100 referenced above in
connection with FIGS. 1-9, depicted from a bottom view. FIG. 10 provides
a schematic view of the antenna assembly 100 inside a trunk 906 of the
vehicle, and shown with respect to an inner surface 902 and an outer
surface 904 of the deck lid 30 of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of
the antenna spoiler 100 as seen from a top view, with the outer surface
904 visible outside the vehicle.

[0050] Returning now to FIG. 9, the antenna spoiler can then be installed
into the deck lid of the vehicle (step 916). In a preferred embodiment,
wires are run from the antenna system (most preferably from the amplifier
and/or the amplifier assembly) to a connection or connector underneath
the deck lid. The wires are preferably run through the deck lid. The
antenna spoiler is preferably initially retained in place via a clip, and
is then secured against the deck lid via the studs 212 and the torque
patch nuts 214 referenced above in connection with FIGS. 2-4, 6.

[0051] In addition, the antenna spoiler may be tested (step 918).
Specifically, the antenna spoiler is preferably tested to ensure that
radio signals from the applicable frequencies (preferably AM and FM) are
received appropriately by the antenna system.

[0052] Accordingly, improved antenna spoilers are provided for vehicles,
along with improved methods for manufacturing vehicle antenna spoilers.
The disclosed antenna spoilers include an antenna element and amplifier
integrated together within a blow molded, deck lid spoiler of a vehicle.
The antenna spoilers and methods disclosed herein provide for a sleek and
efficient antenna system for a vehicle within the spoiler of the vehicle,
and provide performance on par with traditional glass-mounted antennas.
The disclosed antenna spoilers and methods allow for improved flexibility
in placement of the antenna system, for example in convertible
automobiles and other vehicles in which other antenna mounting locations
may be less desirable. The disclosed antenna spoilers and methods also
provide an improved appearance for the vehicle with an antenna system
that is out of view.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the disclosed vehicle antenna spoilers
and methods may vary from those depicted in the Figures and described
herein. For example, the antenna element and/or other components of the
antenna system may vary in different embodiments. In addition, it will be
appreciated that certain steps of the process 900 may vary from those
depicted in FIG. 9 and/or described above in connection therewith. It
will similarly be appreciated that certain steps of the process 900 may
occur simultaneously or in a different order than that depicted in FIG. 9
and/or described above in connection therewith. It will similarly be
appreciated that the disclosed vehicle spoilers and methods may be
implemented and/or utilized in connection with any number of different
types of automobiles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, trucks, any of a
number of other different types of vehicles.

[0054] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the
foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast
number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the
exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are
not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the
invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will
provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for
implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should
be understood that various changes can be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention
as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.